Passenger seating with variable length seat bottom

ABSTRACT

A seat bottom assembly for a passenger seat includes a flexible support panel having a left portion and a separate right portion, and a structural support member underlying the support panel. The structural support member is selectively moveable between a first, forward position in which the seat bottom assembly has a nominal length in a longitudinal direction, and a second, rearward position in which a forward portion of the support panel folds downward over the structural support member such that at least a portion of the seat bottom assembly has an effective length less than the nominal length. The effective length of the left portion and the right portion of the seat bottom assembly can be independently varied.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/012,955 filed Dec. 15, 2004, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/529,686 filed Dec. 15, 2003, andU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/589,297, filed Jul. 20, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to vehicle seating and moreparticularly to a tourist/coach class aircraft seating arrangement.Aircraft seating is typically divided into various classes, for examplefirst class, business class, and coach or tourist class. For each classof seating, an individual passenger is allotted a preselected amount ofspace (both area and volume). First-class seats provide the mostindividual space, and also may include features to improve comfort, suchas fully reclining sleeper functions. In contrast, the tourist/coachclass is provided with a relatively small amount of space, in order toprovide the most efficient transportation and lowest cost. However, thisspace limitation can produce passenger discomfort or possibly evenphysical ailments, and also makes it difficult for a passenger to find acomfortable position in which to sleep on long flights.

To alleviate discomfort, it is advantageous for a passenger to sit orlie in various non-conventional positions during a flight.Unfortunately, prior art coach class seats do not readily accommodatevaried seating positions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vehiclepassenger seat which allows a passenger to sit in various positions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a seat bottomhaving a length which is selectively variable.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a seat bottomin which the length of different portions thereof is selectivelyvariable.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in thepreferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a variable-lengthbottom assembly for a passenger seat, including a flexible component;and a structural support member underlying the flexible component. Thesupport member is selectively moveable between a first, forward positionin which the seat bottom has a nominal length in a longitudinaldirection, and a second, rearward position in which a portion of theflexible component bends downward over the structural component suchthat at least a portion of the seat bottom assembly has an effectivelength less than the nominal length.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, thevariable-length bottom assembly further includes means for selectivelylocking the structural support member in a selected position.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the flexiblecomponent is a generally planar support panel having a plurality oflaterally-extending pivotable segments.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the structuralsupport member includes at least one longitudinally-extending supportrail.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, thevariable-length bottom assembly further includes alongitudinally-extending second support rail spaced apart from the atleast one support rail.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a front end ofthe support rail includes a rounded upper corner at a front end thereof.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the effectivelength of a left portion and a right portion of the seat bottom assemblycan be independently varied.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the flexiblecomponent is a generally planar support panel having left and rightportions, each of the left and right portions including a plurality oflaterally-extending pivotable segments.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the structuralsupport member includes a pair of spaced-apart, separately moveablelongitudinally-extending support rails.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, each of thesupport rails has a passenger-operable handle attached thereto.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a passengerseat includes: a frame for being attached to a floor of a vehicle; anupwardly-extending seat back carried by the frame; and a variable-lengthseat bottom disposed on the frame for supporting a passenger, the seatbottom including: a flexible component; and a structural support memberunderlying the flexible component. The support member is selectivelymoveable between a first, forward position in which the seat bottom hasa nominal length in a longitudinal direction, and a second, rearwardposition in which a portion of the flexible component bends downwardover the structural component such that at least a portion of the seatbottom has an effective length less than the nominal length.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a passengerseat includes a frame for being attached to a floor of a vehicle; anupwardly-extending seat back carried by the frame; and a variable-lengthseat bottom disposed on the frame for supporting a passenger, whereinthe effective length of a left side and a right side of the seat bottom,measured in a longitudinal direction, is independently selectivelyvariable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter that is regarded as the present invention may be bestunderstood by reference to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger seat set including avariable length seat bottom;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the seat set shown in FIG. 1,showing the seat bottom in a lowered position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a seat set including a variable lengthseat bottom, showing an alternative arrangement of the internalcomponents;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the interior components of theseat bottom of FIG. 1, in a raised position;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the interior components of theseat bottom of FIG. 1, in a partially lowered position;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the interior components of theseat bottom of FIG. 1, in a lowered position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a plurality of rows of seats including variablelength seat bottoms in various positions;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a passenger seat including analternative embodiment of a variable length seat bottom;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the seat of FIG. 8, showing the internalcomponents thereof;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the internal components of the seat ofFIG. 8 disposed in a first position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the internal components of the seat ofFIG. 8 disposed in a second position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the internal components of the seat ofFIG. 8 disposed in a third position; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a passenger seat including anotheralternative embodiment of a variable length seat bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denotethe same elements throughout the various views, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate apassenger seat set 10 incorporating a variable length seat bottom. Theseat set 10 includes two seats 12 and 14 which are collectively providedwith three arm rests 16, 18, and 20, each shown in the lowered passengeruse position. The seats include seat backs 22 and 22′ and seat bottoms24 and 24′. The seats 12 and 14 are supported by a frame 26. The frame26 is mounted on legs 28 and 30 which are in turn mounted to the deck ofthe aircraft by track fittings of a known type. For illustrativepurposes, the variable length seat bottom is only shown in detail withrespect to the seat 14, however it will be understood that the same typeof seat bottom may also be implemented on the other seat 12.

As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the internal components of the seat bottom 24′comprise a variable length support panel 32 and at least one supportrail 34. Referring to FIG. 4, the support panel 32 is a generally planarmember which is constructed to be substantially rigid except in aselected folding direction. In the illustrated example, the supportpanel 32 is constructed from a sheet of plastic or similar materialapproximately 3.2 mm (0.125 in.) thick, the front portion of which isdivided into relatively narrow transversely-extending lateral segments36 by spaced-apart transversely-extending cuts or rabbets 38 whichextend partway through the thickness of the support panel 32. One ormore longitudinally-extending support rails 34 are disposed underneathsupport panel 32 to transfer loads from the support panel 32 to the seatframe 26. Each support rail 34 has a forward end 42 and an aft end 44.The upper portion of the forward end 42 defines a radius or bullnose 46.

Suitable means are provided for supporting the loads on the supportpanel 32 and the support rails 34 while allowing longitudinal slidingmotion of the support rails 34. In the illustrated example, a rod 48 isfixed to side members 50 of the seat frame 26 and extends laterallythrough slots 52 formed in the support rails 34. Suitable padding or acushion (not shown) may be placed on top of the support panel 32. Theseat bottom 24′ is covered with a dress cover 54 (see FIG. 1) whichprovides a unified appearance to the seat 14 and prevents debris fromfalling into the working parts of the seat 14.

In operation, the passenger's weight is supported by the support panel32 and support rails 34. In the raised position, the support rails 34are translated to a fully forward position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 andin seat “A” in FIG. 7. When the passenger wishes to stretch out, thesupport rails 34 are translated rearward as shown in FIG. 5. This may bedone manually or by using an actuator of a known type (not shown) tomove the support rails 34 rearward under power. As the support rails 34move rearward, they retract from underneath the lateral segments 36 ofthe support panel 32. This allows the lateral segments 36 to folddownward over the bullnoses 46 of the support rails 34 in a mannersimilar to a waterfall (see FIG. 6). This action shortens the seatbottom 24′ and effectively lowers the passenger's legs, as shown in FIG.2 and in seat “B” of FIG. 7. This increases the passenger's leg room andincreases comfort without increasing the relatively longitudinal spacingor “pitch” between the seat rows. Suitable means are provided forlocking the support rails 34 in a desired longitudinal position.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate a passenger seat 112 incorporating an alternativeembodiment of a variable length seat bottom. The seat 112 is providedwith two arm rests 116 and 118, both shown in the lowered passenger useposition. The seat 112 includes a seat back 122 and a seat bottom 124.The seat 112 is supported by a frame 126. The frame 126 is mounted onlegs 128 and 130 which are in turn mounted to the deck of the aircraftby track fittings of a known type.

The internal components of the seat bottom 124 comprise a variablelength support panel 132, and left and right support rails 134 and 135.Referring to FIG. 9, the support panel 132 is a generally planar memberwhich is constructed to be substantially rigid except in a selectedfolding direction. In the illustrated example, the support panel 132 isconstructed of a sheet of plastic or similar material approximately 3.2mm (0.125 in.) thick. The forward part of the support panel 132 is splitinto separate left and right portions 137 and 139, each of which isdivided into relatively narrow transversely-extending lateral segments136 and 136′ respectively by spaced-apart transversely-extending cuts orrabbets 138 and 138′ which extend partway through the thickness of thesupport panel 132. The longitudinally-extending support rails 134 and135 are disposed underneath the left and right portions 137 and 139respectively, to transfer loads from the support panel to the seat frame126. Laterally-extending bars 140 and 142, optionally defining handles144 and 146, are attached to the front ends of the support rails 134 and135, respectively.

Suitable means are provided for supporting the loads on the supportpanel 132 and the support rails 134 and 135 while allowing longitudinalsliding motion of the support rails 134 and 135. In the illustratedexample, the support rails 134 and 135 are slidably received in slots148 and 150 in a support block 152 which is fixed to the seat frame 126.Suitable padding or a cushion (not shown) may be placed on top of thesupport panel 132. The seat bottom 124 is covered with a dress cover 154(see FIG. 8) which provides a unified appearance to the seat 112 andprevents debris from falling into the working parts of the seat 112.

In operation, the passenger's weight is supported by the support panels132 and support rails 134 and 135. In the raised position, the supportrails 134 and 135 are translated to a fully forward position as shown inFIG. 10. When the passenger wishes to stretch out, one or both of thesupport rails 134 or 135 may be translated rearward as shown in FIGS. 11and 12. This may be done manually using the handles 144 and 146, or byusing an actuator of a known type (not shown) to move the support rails134 or 135 rearward under power. As the support rails 134 and 135 moverearward, they retract from underneath the lateral segments 136 and/or136′ of the support panel 132. This allows the lateral segments 136and/or 136′ to fold downward over the support rails 134 and 135 in amanner similar to a waterfall. This action shortens one or both sides ofthe seat bottom 124 and effectively lowers one or both of thepassenger's legs. This increases the passenger's leg room and increasescomfort without increasing the relatively longitudinal spacing or“pitch” between the seat rows. Suitable means are provided for lockingthe support rails 134 and 135 in a desired longitudinal position.

It is noted that the specific structure used to adjust the length of theseal bottom 124 may be varied to suit a particular application. Forexample, FIG. 13 illustrates a passenger seat 212 incorporating analternative internal construction. The seat 212 is provided with two armrests 216 and 218, both shown in the lowered passenger use position. Theseat 212 includes a seat back 222 and a seat bottom 224. The seat 212 issupported by a frame 226. The frame 226 is mounted on legs 228 and 230which are in turn mounted to the deck of the aircraft by track fittingsof a known type.

The internal components of the seat bottom 224 comprise an inner cushionstructure 140 having a separate forward portion 242 which is partitionedinto left and right flexible airtight compartments 244 a and 244 b.(Means are provided for selectively inflating and deflating each ofthese compartments 244 a and 244 b. For example, a small,passenger-controllable air compressor of a known type (not shown) may beselectively connectable to each of the compartments 244 a and 244 busing a suitable multi-directional valve and air tubing. A fabric dresscover 246 is placed over the inner cushion structure 240.

When the passenger wishes to change the effective length of the seatbottom, the air pressure is increased or decreased in the appropriatecompartments 244 a and 244 b. For example, if the air pressure isdecreased in compartment 244 a while the air pressure is held constantin compartment 244 b, the effective length of the right side of the seatbottom 224 will be effectively reduced. This allows the passenger tomore easily remain in a “side sleep” or rotated position by reducing thepressure point on the “down side” leg.

The foregoing has described a seating arrangement having a variablelength seat bottom. While specific embodiments of the present inventionhave been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat various modifications thereto can be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoingdescription of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the bestmode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose ofillustration only and not for the purpose of limitation, the inventionbeing defined by the claims.

1. A seat bottom assembly for a passenger seat, comprising: a variablelength support panel constructed to be flexible in a predeterminedfolding direction, said support panel having a left portion and aseparate right portion, each of the left portion and the right portioncomprising a plurality of transversely-extending lateral segments thatare movable relative to one another; and a structural support memberdisposed beneath each of the left portion and the right portion, saidstructural support member selectively moveable between: a first, forwardposition in which the seat bottom assembly has a nominal length in alongitudinal direction, and a second, rearward position in which atleast one of the left portion and the right portion folds downward oversaid structural support member such that at least a portion of said seatbottom assembly has an effective length less than said nominal length.2. The seat bottom assembly of claim 1 wherein the plurality oftransversely-extending lateral segments of said support panel aredivided by spaced-apart transversely-extending rabbets that extend atleast partway through the thickness of said support panel.
 3. The seatbottom assembly of claim 2 wherein said support panel is generallyplanar and the transversely-extending lateral segments of the leftportion and the right portion of said support panel are pivotallyconnected by the rabbets.
 4. The seat bottom assembly of claim 1 whereinthe effective length of the left portion and the right portion of saidsupport panel can be independently varied.
 5. The seat bottom assemblyof claim 1 wherein said structural support member disposed beneath eachof the left portion and the right portion comprises a support railconfigured for longitudinal sliding motion relative to said supportpanel.
 6. The seat bottom assembly of claim 5 wherein the support railhas a handle operable for effecting the longitudinal sliding motion. 7.The seat bottom assembly of claim 5 further comprising a support blockhaving at least one slot formed therein for slidably receiving thesupport rail.
 8. The seat bottom assembly of claim 5 wherein the supportrail translates in the longitudinal direction between the first, forwardposition and the second, rearward position.
 9. The seat bottom assemblyof claim 1 wherein the support panel is made of a flexible plasticmaterial and the plurality of transversely-extending lateral segmentsare separated by transversely-extending cuts formed in said supportpanel.
 10. A passenger seat, comprising: a frame for being attached to afloor of a vehicle; and a seat bottom supported on said frame, the seatbottom comprising: a variable length support panel having a left portionand a separate right portion, each of the left portion and the rightportion comprising a plurality of transversely-extending lateralsegments that are movable relative to one another; and a structuralsupport member disposed beneath each of the left portion and the rightportion, said structural support member selectively moveable between: afirst, forward position in which the seat bottom assembly has a nominallength in a longitudinal direction, and a second, rearward position inwhich at least one of the left portion and the right portion foldsdownward over said structural support member such that at least aportion of said seat bottom assembly has an effective length less thansaid nominal length.
 11. The passenger seat of claim 10 wherein each ofthe left portion and the right portion of said support panel isconstructed from a sheet of a substantially rigid material having aforward portion which is divided into the transversely-extending lateralsegments by spaced-apart transversely-extending rabbets.
 12. A passengerseat, comprising: a frame for being attached to a floor of a vehicle;and a seat bottom supported on said frame, the seat bottom comprising: avariable length support panel having a left portion and a separate rightportion, each of the left portion and the right portion comprising aplurality of transversely-extending lateral segments that are movablerelative to one another; a structural support member disposed beneatheach of the left portion and the right portion, said structural supportmember comprising a support rail configured for longitudinal slidingmotion relative to said support panel; and a support block having atleast one slot formed therein for slidably receiving the support rail.